5 Takeaways From Joe Douglas Conference Call

Jets GM Focused On O-Line, Receiver Upgrades

Jets general manager Joe Douglas gifted idle sports reporters with a conference call Wednesday, as he discussed the team’s free agent moves so far and dropped some hints about what he might do in this month’s draft.

Here are five takeaways from the call.

A PROMISE MADE

Douglas said that when he met quarterback Sam Darnold’s parents last summer he “promised them I’d do everything in my power” to help their son be successful, referring to both better protection and playmakers.

"That's our focus, doing everything we can to help Sam succeed,” Douglas said.

Michael Karas/NorthJersey.com

Douglas has been hard at work this offseason improving the O-line, signing free agents Connor McGovern, Greg Van Roten, George Fant and Josh Andrews and re-signing Alex Lewis. He also added speedy wide receiver Breshad Perriman.

The Jets GM said he will continue addressing the offensive line and receiving corps moving forward.

A CLUE?

If Douglas has to decide between an offensive lineman and a wideout with the 11th overall pick in the draft, supply-and-demand might dictate which one he goes with.

"I think there’s a real shortage of quality offensive linemen in the NFL, so we’re going to do our best to get as many quality ones as we can because you can never have too many,” Douglas said.

The Jets have also reportedly been in touch with the Redskins about disgruntled left tackle Trent Williams, making him a candidate to be dealt on draft day.

BELIEVING IN BRESHAD

Douglas was very familiar with Perriman long before he signed the receiver to a one-year deal worth up to $8 million last week. While working for the Ravens, Douglas scouted Perriman, whom Baltimore drafted in the first round in 2015.

The GM said Wednesday he believes Perriman “can come in here and make an impact.”

Perriman was signed to replace Robby Anderson, who signed a two-year, $20 million contract with the Carolina Panthers. Douglas said he was happy for Anderson that he got the money he did.

Douglas added that he did his due diligence on wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and Stefon Diggs before they were traded to new teams, but he did not get into specifics.

CLOWNING AROUND?

Douglas said he’s been in contact with the agent for free agent defensive end Jadeveon Clowney.

"We’re going to do our due diligence on everyone who’s out there -- especially at edge rusher,” Douglas said. “I’m not going to get into the specifics or the details of the conversations we’ve had.”

Last season, the Jets recorded just 35 sacks — ranked 23rd in the league.

NO NEWS ON ADAMS

Douglas said there were no new developments to report regarding talks on a long-term contract with Pro Bowl safety Jamal Adams. The Jets GM said he’s been focused on free agency and the draft.